Kantaji Temple as it looked in 1870. This temple is situated at Dinajpur (Bangladesh). Built in 1750 this temple was one of the finest examples of Terracotta architecture. All the 9 spires were destroyed in an earthquake in 1897.

Temple of Hatha Yogis - Adinatha Temple on top of the Mainaka Hill, Bangladesh. Students of Hatha Yoga might remember that Yogi Svatmarama Muni (15th century AD), one of the greatest masters of Hatha Yoga of all times, starts his classical work "Hatha Yoga Pradipika" with a prayer to Adinatha (the primeval Lord), a form of Lord Shiva. This temple is dedicated to the form of the Divine which was primarily worshiped by ancient Hatha Yogis. I find it very unfortunate that while Hatha Yoga is being practiced all around the globe, no body even seems to know anything about this temple. While Hatha Yoga has become such a big business, nobody even cared to renovate this temple!!!

Ma Anandamayi's Ashram and Ramna Kali Temple, near Dhaka (Bangladesh). This 1000 years old temple was once upon a time one of the most famous Hindu temples on the Indian subcontinent. The temple was bulldozed on 27.03.1971 as the Pakistani Army commenced its genocide "Operation Searchlight" which claimed somewhere between 26000 - 500000 civil casualties (figures disputed). The government of Bangladesh bulldozed the last remaining traces of the temple in 1972 and handed over the land to an elite club. Amidst protests by the Hindu groups, the government finally allowed the Hindu community to build a makeshift temple in 2004. Now the Gov is insisting to relocate away from the original site. Therefore, amidst political uncertainty it remains to be seen how the long cherished dream to rebuild this temple evolves....

Kala Bhairava at the Kala Bhairava Temple, Brahmanbaria (Bangladesh). The original temple dating back to the 19th century, which was famous for its giant Shiva Linga, said to be the largest in the world, was demolished during the Bangladeshi freedom struggle. Recently a smaller makeshift temple has been built.

Jeshoreshwari Kali Temple, Ishwaripur (Bangladesh). The original ancient temple which is said to have 100 doors was later renovated by King Lakshman Sen in the late 13th century. Now only some pillars of the original temple can be seen.

Shivalinga in the Bhuvaneshvar Shiva Temple, Puthia (Bangladesh). After the Shivalinga at the Kala Bhairava Temple was demolished, this has become the largest Shiva Linga in Bangladesh. Earlier it was decorated with stone carvings and sculptural work, which was disfigured in 1971. Legend has it that the army attempted to displace and break the Linga, but was unable even to move it from its position.

Govinda Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, Puthia (Bangladesh). This grand temple was constructed in the 19th century by the Queen of Puthia. The temple is a masterpiece as it has exquisite terracotta ornamentation depicting the divine romance between Lord Krishna and Radha. However, now the temple's survival is threatened by a newly established college nearby and the lack of conservation efforts. Nobody seems to be concerned...

Chandranath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, on top of the Chandranath Hill, Bangladesh. This seemingly unimportant temple is in fact a very famous Shaktipeeth (the seat of Divine power). Hindu scriptures state that the right arm of Devi Sati fell on this spot. Legend has it that Shri Jayadeva (1200 AD), a well-known saint, Sanskrit poet and the author of Gita Govindam, spent a lot of time around this temple.